The California State Parks Foundation opens its 2026 Photo Contest today, August 24. Entries are free. Open to everyone. Submissions close September 21, 2026.
You can submit up to three photos in each of five categories. Every photo has to be taken in a California state park. That’s the rule that actually matters – the rest is just categories.
Five Categories
- Scenic Landscapes – the natural beauty of California’s parks across every season
- Wildlife & Nature – wildlife, plants, ecosystems, and the natural details found throughout the parks
- Recreation & Activities – people hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, and exploring the outdoors
- People in Parks – meaningful moments of people enjoying California’s state parks responsibly
- California History – cultural landmarks, historic places, and the stories preserved throughout the parks
Up to three photos per category. Phone or full kit, doesn’t matter.
Deadlines
- Contest opens: August 24, 2026
- Submission period: August 24 – September 21, 2026
- Judging period: September 21 – September 30, 2026
- Winners announced: October 1, 2026
TOP PRIZE: $195 Membership, Plus a Spot in the 2028 Calendar
One winner from each of the five categories gets a complimentary California State Parks Foundation membership, including a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass valued at $195. That winner also gets a feature in the 2028 California State Parks Foundation calendar, a complimentary copy of that calendar, and recognition across CSPF’s website and social channels.
Honorable mentions get featured too – on the website, the social channels, and the digital photo gallery.
Review the official rules and category guidelines before you submit. Then pull your best three shots per category and get them in. September 21 comes up fast.